Mesa Public Schools board approves traditional calendar for 2026-2027 amid ongoing calendar debate

Mesa Public Schools will implement significant upgrades to enhance safety and communication in classrooms following a recent Governing Board meeting. The board approved a $1.5 million contract to improve audio enhancement, safety, and translation systems across schools, addressing concerns raised by teachers about communication during lockdowns.

During the meeting, educators expressed worries about the current lockdown procedures, particularly regarding their ability to account for students during recess. The new systems will allow teachers to report attendance directly to the principal, ensuring better safety protocols.

In addition to safety upgrades, the board discussed the school calendar for the upcoming years. A survey conducted among parents, teachers, and staff revealed strong support for maintaining a traditional school calendar, with 66% of parents favoring it. The board decided to approve the school year calendar for 2026-2027, while also planning to form a committee to explore alternative calendar options for the 2028-2030 school years. This committee will consist of various stakeholders, including parents and staff, to ensure a comprehensive approach to calendar planning.

The discussions also highlighted the need for adjustments to early release days, with many expressing a preference for moving these from Wednesdays to Mondays to better accommodate family schedules. The board plans to survey the community on this potential change, aiming for implementation in the 2025-2026 school year.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to improving safety measures and responding to community feedback regarding school scheduling, ensuring that the needs of students, parents, and educators are prioritized.